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Last night we dropped Katelyn off at a house at a friend's who is also trying out for the volleyball team (they have to be at Boles by 7 in the morning), Bryn went with MeMaw to be dropped off at her first day of school in the morning at Fielder Road, and Jadyn went to spend the night with Aunt Sandy to go to Wood in the morning.
Jess and I woke up at 6 AM this morning. That would have been fine except we were supposed to be at Zale Lipshy hospital at 5:30. I don't know if our alarm didn't go off or we slept through it, but we were very grateful that a nurse from the hospital called us at 6 to check up on her. Even though we tried to get the hospital as quickly as we could (for instance I brought my toothbrush with me), we didn't make it to the hospital until 6:45. Jess was very worried, but not in the way a normal person would. Normal people would have been thinking about the dangers of surgery or be worried about how they would feel afterword. They would also be thinking about how long it had taken to get the kids situated last night and how it might all be for nothing. Jess on the other hand, was worried because she knew Dr. Ehus needed to be in Fort Worth at 11:00 and she didn't want to make him late. She needn't have worried though because the team of doctors and nurses had her prepped in no time. Before I knew it she was rambling happily about how people were having more kids these days in a very loud voice. She doesn't normally do that, but on a very stressful day Jessica Lynn on pre-surgery drugs is very funny.
The operation went super smooth. The doctor got everything out that he wanted too- the mass and its nodes plus something else with a very complicated name (it had formed as result of an infection from her last surgery). The doctors felt there what they took out was not cancerous, but they sent it off to the lab to be sure. The one thing that surprised me is that the incision wasn't as big as I thought it was considering the mass that had to exit out of it was as big as a plum.
Jess is resting now (which is her way of saying "sleeping"). When she wakes up I'm going to take her to Hotel Resort de MeeMaw, where she'll spend the night.
Thank you for praying-- having surgery this week was defintely unexpected.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
New Plans
Sorry for not updating you sooner, and thank you all for your prayers. I was not anxious at all Tuesday morning and Dr. Euhus called early... about 9:00! He gave me some good news and the plans they have for going forward. There were three main issues discussed: my shoulder pain, the lump in my breast, and the new spots showing up on the latest scans.
They concurred that my radiation oncologist, Dr. Spangler, can help me with my shoulder pain while the clavicle fracture heals on its own. I am to call and get in to see her as soon as possible. I am also going to mention to her that I have been having a little back pain to see if it is possible to radiate both the shoulder and back at the same visit(s).
Dr. Euhus and the other surgeons thought that although the scans show no cancer growth on the new lump in my right breast, due to my history and the way it feels to him, he wants to remove it. So, tomorrow at 7:00 AM I will have a lumpectomy with Dr. Euhus. I still feel in my gut that it is not a cancerous lump, but who wants lumps in their body anyway? People pay lots of money to have lumps called cellulite taken out every day! I feel so confident in my doctor and so away we go. I think it will be much easier than the previous surgery in March when I had my right lymph nodes removed under my arm. This surgery will require no drain, or overnight stay. Day surgery, a few stitches and we're home. (I still might milk a spa grandma day out of it if I can! :)
Concerning the new spots they see on the latest PET scan, they plan to fight that with a new regimen of chemo. If all goes well I will start that late next week when I see Dr. Hayley.
So, I still have not managed to get the pictures I promised, but thank you for your understanding. I covet your prayers. The surgery is set to begin at 7:00, and take about an hour. Also, you can pray boldly for the cancer to be eradicated completely with this latest chemo attack. Thank you so much for your help with the girls, your calls, and emails. They mean so much to us!!
Jake or I will update again soon.
Much love,
Jess
They concurred that my radiation oncologist, Dr. Spangler, can help me with my shoulder pain while the clavicle fracture heals on its own. I am to call and get in to see her as soon as possible. I am also going to mention to her that I have been having a little back pain to see if it is possible to radiate both the shoulder and back at the same visit(s).
Dr. Euhus and the other surgeons thought that although the scans show no cancer growth on the new lump in my right breast, due to my history and the way it feels to him, he wants to remove it. So, tomorrow at 7:00 AM I will have a lumpectomy with Dr. Euhus. I still feel in my gut that it is not a cancerous lump, but who wants lumps in their body anyway? People pay lots of money to have lumps called cellulite taken out every day! I feel so confident in my doctor and so away we go. I think it will be much easier than the previous surgery in March when I had my right lymph nodes removed under my arm. This surgery will require no drain, or overnight stay. Day surgery, a few stitches and we're home. (I still might milk a spa grandma day out of it if I can! :)
Concerning the new spots they see on the latest PET scan, they plan to fight that with a new regimen of chemo. If all goes well I will start that late next week when I see Dr. Hayley.
So, I still have not managed to get the pictures I promised, but thank you for your understanding. I covet your prayers. The surgery is set to begin at 7:00, and take about an hour. Also, you can pray boldly for the cancer to be eradicated completely with this latest chemo attack. Thank you so much for your help with the girls, your calls, and emails. They mean so much to us!!
Jake or I will update again soon.
Much love,
Jess
Monday, August 27, 2007
Prayer tomorrow
We have had a delightful and busy day with Katelyn starting junior high and Jadyn starting kindergarten. I will be sure to post pictures tomorrow. However, this post is about prayer.
Tomorrow morning at 7:00, the doctor's on my team at UT Southwestern will meet. They meet every Tuesday morning, but this Tuesday, I am on the "docket". There are a number of things going on. Some are: one more area of concern on the PET scan, a fracture on my collar bone and some fibrous tissue that feels like a lump on my right breast. The exciting news is that so many excellent doctors will put their heads together to come up with a plan of action. My prayer request is that the doctor's would have amazing, supernatural wisdom and clarity when looking at films, biopsy, and scan results. Also, I ask prayer for a little thing: that one of my doctors will call me tomorrow morning or afternoon with the results so I do not have to be worrying all day. I guess you could pray that I do not worry at all, but to cast all my fears and anxiety on Him, who is more than capable to meet all my needs, abundantly and completely.
Thank you! I will update as soon as I hear something.
Take care,
Jess
Tomorrow morning at 7:00, the doctor's on my team at UT Southwestern will meet. They meet every Tuesday morning, but this Tuesday, I am on the "docket". There are a number of things going on. Some are: one more area of concern on the PET scan, a fracture on my collar bone and some fibrous tissue that feels like a lump on my right breast. The exciting news is that so many excellent doctors will put their heads together to come up with a plan of action. My prayer request is that the doctor's would have amazing, supernatural wisdom and clarity when looking at films, biopsy, and scan results. Also, I ask prayer for a little thing: that one of my doctors will call me tomorrow morning or afternoon with the results so I do not have to be worrying all day. I guess you could pray that I do not worry at all, but to cast all my fears and anxiety on Him, who is more than capable to meet all my needs, abundantly and completely.
Thank you! I will update as soon as I hear something.
Take care,
Jess
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Yea!
I got a call lat night from my nurse who told me some good news: the biopsy revealed benign cellular growth. Meaning, no cancer! I will find out more details Friday, when I will still go get a mammogram and sonogram before I see the surgeon for a re-check. I'm sure I will have more details then. But, for now I will just bask in the good news!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
No news yet
Just a short post to let you know that I have not herd from my doctor yet regarding the biopsy results. My doctor was supposed to call Tuesday. Today, when I had not yet received a call, I called his office. Still, no message. I will post when I get more news.
Here is a sweet story to tide you over! Jadyn came into the living room one night last week after bedtime. She wanted to fix her bed (a ritual that takes a long time!). I told her it was way past her bedtime and to do it another day. At that moment (that I said no) she lifted up her right index finger into the air and exclaimed, "Wait!"…followed by a long pause..."Can I ask Dad?" We have a rule at our house that if I say yes or no to something, the kids cannot go ask their dad the same question hoping for a different response. Well, Jadyn went on to explain that she had already asked her dad the bed-fixing question a while ago and she had forgotten what he had said. In her mind, that would trump my decision since she asked dad first! I said okay, and she ran into the kitchen to find out what her dad decided. To her delight, he originally told her that she could fix her bed! Then, off she went, skipping to her room, so delighted with herself. What a clever daughter we have. Actually, we better watch out!!
Here is a sweet story to tide you over! Jadyn came into the living room one night last week after bedtime. She wanted to fix her bed (a ritual that takes a long time!). I told her it was way past her bedtime and to do it another day. At that moment (that I said no) she lifted up her right index finger into the air and exclaimed, "Wait!"…followed by a long pause..."Can I ask Dad?" We have a rule at our house that if I say yes or no to something, the kids cannot go ask their dad the same question hoping for a different response. Well, Jadyn went on to explain that she had already asked her dad the bed-fixing question a while ago and she had forgotten what he had said. In her mind, that would trump my decision since she asked dad first! I said okay, and she ran into the kitchen to find out what her dad decided. To her delight, he originally told her that she could fix her bed! Then, off she went, skipping to her room, so delighted with herself. What a clever daughter we have. Actually, we better watch out!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Catching up!
A lot has happened over the last few weeks. Sometimes, I have not posted because I do not have my camera. Sometimes, I have my camera and can't squeeze in any time to write. Now, I still don't have my camera, but I am feeling the pressure to just write!
First, let me say how much it humbles me to hear so many of you that want an update! I know that means that there are so many more that are praying and thinking of our family often!! That brings such a smile to my face and is so uplifting.
Katelyn and I had a wonderful time together up in Oregon. It was so fun to have her all to myself. I had a fun, relaxing time with my dad, step-mom Cindy, and college bound sister, Liz. I also got the incredible blessing to see aunts, cousins, and a precious grandma. Some of our highlights were white water rafting, spa (me), horse back riding (Katie), swimming, dinners together, and shopping!
It was also so good to get back to see Jake, Jadyn and Bryn. I sure missed them! It was a great homecoming. The girls tried their best to clean the house for me and had pictures they colored taped all around the house to welcome us home. Jake had an equally fun time at home with the yikes.
We just sent off Jake's family today. Jake's dad, step-mom, and sister Hannah came into town Wednesday. His sister Sarah, her husband James, and their adorable 11-month old daughter Vanessa came up Saturday morning. We had fun visiting and playing together. One day we went to a pizza place that is like a Chuck E. Cheese, Putt-Putt and Bowling all wrapped into one. We went to the Science museum and all except me went to the zoo (I was at various doctors all that day!). It was a great week. I am thankful they made the trip down!
I did go to the doctor on Friday. I was supposed to see Dr. Euhus (surgeon) for a check up and then to Dr. Hayley (oncologist) also a routine visit, followed by round 6 of my same chemo regimen. Nothing went quite as planned! I did see Dr. Euhus. He did a normal exam and felt something on my right breast he was not comfortable with. He wanted me to have a mammogram and sonogram right then. Unfortunately, the lab could not get me in at all that day. Dr. Euhus really wanted to get more information right away so he decided to do things in reverse order and do a core needle biopsy right in his office. I have had this before at my initial diagnosis so I knew what that entailed. I was just surprised to do it right then! The results of this will come Tuesday. He scheduled me for a mammogram and sonogram later this week.
When I went to my next appointment with Dr. Hayley, it was obvious that she had already talked with Dr. Euhus. They decided to hold off on chemo for right now. If my biopsy did show any recurrence of cancer, I would most likely need surgery. I have already been off chemo for 4 weeks. Surgery requires about 6 weeks off. So, I would be able to have the surgery soon if necessary. Also, if I do have a recurrence in my breast, I would have a whole new chemo regimen anyway.
My shoulder has been my biggest complaint over the last few weeks. Dr. Hayley had me go over to another building and get a chest x-ray to see what was going on. She reminded me that I had some shoulder pain in the past and it was from a tumor in the clavicle. I had forgotten, but was relieved that both she remembered and that it was an old spot and not something new. Still, Dr. Hayley seems to want to see what is changing to cause so much discomfort. Dr. Hayley scheduled a PET scan for me this week as well. I am really thankful for my doctors and the staff at UT Southwestern.
Specifically, you can pray that what the doctor felt was scar tissue and not cancer. You can pray also for wisdom for the doctors, as my case will be presented at a round table conference with all the team on August 28th. Pray for me and my family that we would take whatever comes next with peace that passes understanding, and have confidence in the treatment before us.
We all had fun this week with family. Jadyn was glued to her cousin Vanessa the entire time. If she wasn’t in her face cooing and smiling, she was trying to pick her up, follow her, give her a toy, sing a song, play peek-a-boo...(I could go on ☺ ). I loved watching the girls with their cousin! We now have such a quiet house, which is a lot to say with the five of us.
Pictures to some soon. One step at a time!
First, let me say how much it humbles me to hear so many of you that want an update! I know that means that there are so many more that are praying and thinking of our family often!! That brings such a smile to my face and is so uplifting.
Katelyn and I had a wonderful time together up in Oregon. It was so fun to have her all to myself. I had a fun, relaxing time with my dad, step-mom Cindy, and college bound sister, Liz. I also got the incredible blessing to see aunts, cousins, and a precious grandma. Some of our highlights were white water rafting, spa (me), horse back riding (Katie), swimming, dinners together, and shopping!
It was also so good to get back to see Jake, Jadyn and Bryn. I sure missed them! It was a great homecoming. The girls tried their best to clean the house for me and had pictures they colored taped all around the house to welcome us home. Jake had an equally fun time at home with the yikes.
We just sent off Jake's family today. Jake's dad, step-mom, and sister Hannah came into town Wednesday. His sister Sarah, her husband James, and their adorable 11-month old daughter Vanessa came up Saturday morning. We had fun visiting and playing together. One day we went to a pizza place that is like a Chuck E. Cheese, Putt-Putt and Bowling all wrapped into one. We went to the Science museum and all except me went to the zoo (I was at various doctors all that day!). It was a great week. I am thankful they made the trip down!
I did go to the doctor on Friday. I was supposed to see Dr. Euhus (surgeon) for a check up and then to Dr. Hayley (oncologist) also a routine visit, followed by round 6 of my same chemo regimen. Nothing went quite as planned! I did see Dr. Euhus. He did a normal exam and felt something on my right breast he was not comfortable with. He wanted me to have a mammogram and sonogram right then. Unfortunately, the lab could not get me in at all that day. Dr. Euhus really wanted to get more information right away so he decided to do things in reverse order and do a core needle biopsy right in his office. I have had this before at my initial diagnosis so I knew what that entailed. I was just surprised to do it right then! The results of this will come Tuesday. He scheduled me for a mammogram and sonogram later this week.
When I went to my next appointment with Dr. Hayley, it was obvious that she had already talked with Dr. Euhus. They decided to hold off on chemo for right now. If my biopsy did show any recurrence of cancer, I would most likely need surgery. I have already been off chemo for 4 weeks. Surgery requires about 6 weeks off. So, I would be able to have the surgery soon if necessary. Also, if I do have a recurrence in my breast, I would have a whole new chemo regimen anyway.
My shoulder has been my biggest complaint over the last few weeks. Dr. Hayley had me go over to another building and get a chest x-ray to see what was going on. She reminded me that I had some shoulder pain in the past and it was from a tumor in the clavicle. I had forgotten, but was relieved that both she remembered and that it was an old spot and not something new. Still, Dr. Hayley seems to want to see what is changing to cause so much discomfort. Dr. Hayley scheduled a PET scan for me this week as well. I am really thankful for my doctors and the staff at UT Southwestern.
Specifically, you can pray that what the doctor felt was scar tissue and not cancer. You can pray also for wisdom for the doctors, as my case will be presented at a round table conference with all the team on August 28th. Pray for me and my family that we would take whatever comes next with peace that passes understanding, and have confidence in the treatment before us.
We all had fun this week with family. Jadyn was glued to her cousin Vanessa the entire time. If she wasn’t in her face cooing and smiling, she was trying to pick her up, follow her, give her a toy, sing a song, play peek-a-boo...(I could go on ☺ ). I loved watching the girls with their cousin! We now have such a quiet house, which is a lot to say with the five of us.
Pictures to some soon. One step at a time!
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